Reflection

I know many of you are far removed from what happened on April 27th, 2011 but even so, we shouldn't forget. All day yesterday and since the second I woke up this morning, the outbreak of tornadoes has been on my mind along with everyone who lost a home, their business, and even worse, a loved one.

I'll never forget my vacation because while I had a great time seeing old friends and finally meeting friends I've known online for years, it was also the vacation that was plagued with worry about my friends and family. My husband and I were glued to the news, Facebook, Twitter, and the live streaming coming from my local ABC affiliate app.

Luckily, everyone we loved was safe but things would never be the same again in the state of Alabama. I did my part to help those that lost everything and along with my new friend, Courtney, we got All 4 Alabama off the ground and running. For two girls that are relatively unknown in the grand scheme of things, we were able to raise over $8,000 through our auctions and I know I've said it before but I think it needs repeating: We couldn't have done it without any of you and I am so thankful for every single person who donated their time, items, and money and for every single bidder. You were all amazing.

Now a year has gone by and the state once again is faced with the events of that day. Everywhere you look there's some sort of reminder and not far behind that is a feeling of hope. We still have a long way to go before things are anywhere near normal, but with the help from strangers and our neighbors, we WILL get there. It still kills me each and every time I drive past an area that was hit because there's still so much destruction. Homes and businesses are finally getting a chance to rebuild but there are others that have just been left behind.

In closing, be thankful for everything and everyone you have right now. It could be so much worse. Don't forget about us down here in the South, we may be strong but that doesn't mean we couldn't use the support.

Also, please check out Bo Bikes Bama. Bo Jackson will finish his 300 mile bike ride tomorrow in Tuscaloosa to help raise money for the Governor's Emergency Relief Fund.

Rock the Drop

I totally forgot to blog about this earlier but better late than never, right?

So last Thursday was Teen Lit Day and in honor of it was Rock the Drop! Now, the last few years I've had books and really wanted to participate. The day would come and I'd have nowhere to go and no earthly idea where to leave it in my neighborhood.

I'll just say it's not really fun trying to find a place in the Wal-Mart parking lot hoping someone picks up the book verses running it over with their truck that's decked out in camo.

However, THIS year I've moved and just in time too! I went shopping with my mom and re-discovered this book store in my new area and got two new books to leave. Not only that, but the cashier asked why I was getting two copies of one of the books and I was able to tell her about Rock the Drop and Teen Lit Day. WOOT.

I got my books together, wrote little notes and went off to drop my books. The first one was The Secret Year by Jennifer Hubbard and I propped it up against the window of my local Yogurt Mountain.

The second book was the anthology Corsets and Clockwork and I left that on a bench in an outdoor mall in front of Journeys/Aeropostale/Body Central.

While I wasn't exactly able to get my Ninja stealth on, it was so much fun to go back and see the books had been taken. While I wish I could've seen who got them, I just really hope they enjoy their new book.

I can't wait til next year!

I'm IT!

Last week my lovely friend Anne tagged me in this writing thing that is going around the interwebz like syphilis in an old west whore house.

The rules are, there are no rules.

Oh wait, this isn't Grease and I don't have a bitchin' car to race. Dang.

There actually are some guidelines and they are:

1. Go to page 7 or 77 in your current manuscript
2. Go to line 7
3. Copy down the next seven lines/sentences as they are–no cheating
4. Tag 7 other authors

I will tell you that while I'm giving you a snippet from page 7, it is not my current WIP. I have recently set this one aside to work on a contemporary YA that had been sticking its hand in my face like so

I gave up the proverbial chair cushions and I've begun writing Tristan's story. I will return to Graham and Emery but until I do so, you can get a sneak peak at their story.

From page 7 of Reaper's Revenge:

“Whoa, whoa, back up there. A Grim Reaper? You’re kidding right? Those things don’t exist.” I replied in disbelief.

“If we don’t exist, how do you explain him disappearing so fast? Us getting here? You not getting injured when I pushed you off the roof? And don't say it was a dream.”

“How should I know?” I huffed. I knew something strange was going on here, but Grim Reapers? Seriously? Wait a second…

“We?! You’re one too? How can I see you if you’re supposed to be death?” The realization that he was death hit me like a paint can to the face. “Oh my god. I’m dead?” I sunk to the ground as if in slow motion, my breath coming out shaky.

He stopped pacing, “Yes and no,” he said as he ran his fingers through his hair. Sighing, he sat down in the grass in front of me and continued.

***

There you have it. My unpolished first draft snippet from page 7. 

So guess what Jennie, Jacki, Eli, Becca, Jess N., Kelsey, and Tameka. You're it! *runs away*